Set in 130 acres of parkland and an 18-hole golf course, this hotel on the Cooley Peninsula just north of Dundalk has evolved around a large Victorian house and - while very attractive in its own right - its convenience to the Mourne Mountains on one side and historic Carlingford on the other makes it an especially appealing destination.
Having been in the Quinn family ownership since 1948, it was acquired in 2022 by Mr. Thomas Roggla of the TMR Hotel Collection (which includes Harveys Point, Aghadoe Heights, Connemara Coast Hotel and Farnham Estate among its thirteen 4- and 5-star Irish properties).
Major improvements made by the Quinn family over the years were always completed with panache, lifting the hotel into a different class; bright and stylish public areas are furnished and decorated in a warm, comfortably contemporary style, with a homely atmosphere.
Spacious and very attractive new bedrooms share the same qualities, with specially commissioned furniture - and, in many cases, views over lovely gardens, the golf course or the characterful old stable yard.
Meals, including a good breakfast, are served in the hotel's classically appointed restaurant and appealing all day food is also available in the comfortable bar, which has a garden terrace outlook and a pleasant ambience. Friendly, helpful staff have always been a key USP here, and can often transform a brief visit into a more memorable occasion.
Corporate facilities include three versatile meeting rooms, with back-up business services available. Impressive leisure facilities include a 20-metre deck level pool and tennis courts.
A pleasing setting, a high level of comfort and hands on management by a long serving team make 'the Ballymac' a very pleasant place to stay - and special interest and off-season deals offer especially good value.
